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Special Needs Checklist - Hurricane Survival Guide

If you’re not able to function without assistance, you need to make some plans where that kind of support is available.

For a person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, a disruption of routine or an evacuation to a shelter can be extremely stressful.

The newsletter of the Alzheimer’s Family Organization offers these tips:

Make sure someone outside the storm area has the patient’s identification, medical and contact information.

Make sure the patient has identification. The AFO offers Wanderer’s Identification bracelets and necklaces in case the patient becomes lost or separated from a caregiver. Contact the AFO toll-free 1-888- 496-8004 for information.

If you choose not to evacuate, prepare a hurricane kit with at least a two-week supply of medication, a list of dosages and instructions, first aid supplies and important phone numbers.

If a caregiver decides to remain at home, it is important that the person with Alzheimer’s or dementia has enough activities, especially if the power goes out. Plan to do things that will keep the patient calm.

The constant surge of television and radio reports are vital during emergencies. But the steady replays of storm images can be upsetting to someone who doesn’t understand that the same images are being repeated.

People with dementia and Alzheimer’s pick up on the vibes around them. If caregivers and others are calm and collected, they will be too.

On the Web:

Go to elderaffairs.state.fl.us and click on Disaster Preparedness on the right side. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ Disaster Preparedness Guide for Elders contains information about various types of disasters.

Copyright 2016 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

2018 STORM NAMES

HURRICANE TERMS TO KNOW

Tropical Storm WATCH: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm WARNING: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

Hurricane WATCH: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible somewhere within the specified coastal area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

Hurricane WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. A hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.